What I've learned as a woodguy.

[WoodDrummer]

Cody, that's a good one. My wife knows not to even enter the shop if a power tool is running. My great uncle John lost a finger on a TS probably 60 years ago. He was in the basement shop making some cuts and his daughter came down the stairs yelling his name over the noise of the saw, he looked her way for just an instant and whack.

[robhannon]

>"No long hair or loose clothing hanging around a lathe, circular saw, etc. If it's long enough to get meshed in the works, rubber band it back, or wear a hat. ;)"


I learned that one the hard way. I don't think I have ever had a worse headache.

[Postman]

Really good posts.

And, make sure you use some sort of guard when pushing stock through a bit on a router table so that you don't router your fingers. You think it will never happen to you but it will.

[pgeer]

This is a very good rule however, I have always been aware of my surroundings while, lets say running the table saw, and know when some body inters the shop. I don't even have to look up. What I do is stop working and visit, not because I'm a great guy, because for safety.

So another rule I think is very important is; Be aware of your surroundings. Don't get surprised. This is something I leaned with working with others in the shop when I was at IU.

[pgeer]

All good rules in the wood shop.

Another is; Don't run router bits below their rated RPMs, if you don't know, find out, other wise you are better off running them fast. Also keep in mind some of the larger bits have maximum RPM rating, don't just tear open the box and throw it out without reading the instructions first. Know your router bits!

[EWIldsmith]

This is my first post on this forum. And its a great thread to post in! Lots of good tips!

[hcbph]

Add "if something is damaged, don't use till it's inspected and repaired or pitched". Especially things like carbide tools (saw blades, router bits, shaper cutters etc). Even the tiniest of chips may hide a crack or something that could go flying off.
Insure when using anything that purrs, hums or generally is electified to insure you have eye protection at a minimum and hearing protection is a plus.
Dispose of rags etc used in finishing properly to avoid potential fires.
If cutting or grinding metal, don't leave the shop immediately as embers or hot particles could still exist and ignite something later.
If tired, stop what you're doing. Same thing is something is bothering you. Don't work while distracted.
When my daughter was little, she could visit Dad in the shop but only if she met certain conditions. 1) Dad was only using hand tools 2) She had a special stool she had to stay sitting on 3) She had her visor on and at times 4) She had her hearing protection on (hammering etc).

[steamfab]

I am learning so much from this thread. Sometimes, the simplest things are the most ignored. This is a reminder to always look out for our safety. Thank you all for your valuable input. I might have to print this page as this is very useful.

[Fabitfast]

There is nothing safer than following what’s safe. This is why we should strictly follow and observe safety measures and precautions at all TIMES.
We are around hazardous machines everyday and we wouldn’t know when will accidents happen. “Safety” should be seen around your shop all the time.

[jaydawg]

Great tips!

Your "If you can't figure it out read the manual" x 3 really hits home with me. I'm pretty stubborn and always figure that if I work on something long enough I'll figure it out ... but breaking down and reading the manual would save me so much more time!